U18 REPORT: SHREWSBURY TOWN 0 WIGAN ATHLETIC 1

Back-to-back victories as Nick Chadwick's side begin to climb the Youth Alliance table.

U18s end game with 10 men after Will McGuffie sees red with a minute remaining.

SHREWSBURY TOWN 0

WIGAN ATHLETIC 1
Randell 14

Latics battled their way to a fourth match unbeaten in the EFL Youth Alliance on Saturday despite going down to 10 men late on and withstanding a total of 18 minutes added time, with Nathan Randell's early first half goal preserved through a combination of excellent defending and determination to see out the 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town.

Randell's goal made it back-to-back victories for Nick Chadwick's side, who saw midfielder Will McGuffie dismissed for retaliation with a minute of normal time remaining. Despite the late uphill battle, Latics' victory provides another big boost for their league position, lifting the side up to ninth place in the table.

The hosts were largely in control throughout the 90 minutes, hitting the cross bar twice, but not making Latics suffer as Chadwick's side hit Shrewsbury on the counter attack early on to grab the all important goal.

McGuffie won possession back in a dangerous area to release Randell's forward run, with the striker combining with Mwiya Malumo before volleying in from 18 yards.

Latics defended well all round, keeping their shape and staying patient to frustrate their Shropshire hosts to show the togetherness which helped to extend their unbeaten run.

It wasn't all defence though, with Malumo and the returning Josh Beaumont both denied by good saves from free kicks.

McGuffie's dismissal provided an immense late test as Latics grappled to hold onto their slender lead, after the midfielder reacted to a poor challenge made on him late into the game.

A whopping 18 minutes of added time followed, but Chadwick's young side remained calm and collected to earn their stripes in a bizarrely long contest.